Dinajpur
BGB detains two locals trying to flee through Dinajpur border
Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained two Bangladeshi citizens while allegedly trying to trespass into India through the border in Biral upazila of Dinajpur early Friday.
The detainees are Magnet Roy, 25, son of Rama Roy of Dinajpur’s Bochaganj and Likhan Roy, 19, son of Profulla Roy, of Palashbaria area under Nilphamari Sadar upazila.
Read: BGB detains 5 people while trying to enter India illegally thru Dinajpur border
Ahsan-ul-Islam, commandant of the BGB-42 in Dinajpur, said they detained the two from Nonagram area under Bhandara union of the Biral upazila along the border with India after being tipped-off that some Bangladeshis were intruding into India.
The detainees were handed over to the concerned police station to take legal action in this regard, he added.
Read more: BGB detains local AL leader, his brother from Sylhet border
2 days ago
How to Visit Dinajpur's Kantajew Temple
Bangladesh has numerous historical temples reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage. Among the most prominent is the Kantajew Temple in Dinajpur, renowned for its magnificent terracotta architecture. Kantajew Temple is also known as Kantaji Temple or Kantanagar Temple. Constructed in the 18th century, this Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna is one of the country’s finest examples of art.
Location of Kantajew Temple
This temple is situated at Kantanagar village in Kaharole upazila of Dinajpur district, approximately 20 kilometres from the main town in northern Bangladesh. The name derives from "Kantaji," a form of the Hindu god Kanta or Krishna. This 18th-century temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his wife, Rukmini.
Maharaja Prannath began the temple's construction in 1704, and it was completed by his son, Maharaja Ramnath, in 1752. Kantajew Temple is especially revered by Krishna devotees in Bengal.
Read more: Top 10 Historic Places, Landmarks in Dhaka
How to Visit Kantaji Temple from Dhaka
From Dhaka to Dinajpur
By Air
Flying is the quickest way to reach Dinajpur. Daily flights operate between Dhaka and Sayedpur, the nearest airport, about 60 kilometres from Dinajpur. You can hire a car from Sayedpur or take a local bus to Dinajpur town, which takes approximately an hour. Airfare typically ranges between 2,800 and 9,500 BDT, depending on the airline and booking time.
By Train
If you prefer a more scenic and affordable option, taking a train from Dhaka to Dinajpur is a great choice. Trains are available and the journey times range from 7 to 9 hours. Tickets are available from 575 BDT for a non-AC seat and can go up to 1,978 BDT for AC berths.
By Bus
For budget travellers, buses are the most economical option. Direct buses leave from Dhaka’s bus terminals heading to Dinajpur, with the journey taking around 10 hours. The ticket price ranges between 800 and 1,500 BDT, depending on the bus type.
Read more: Buddha Dhatu Jadi: The sacred tourist spot and its trouble
From Dinajpur to Kantajew Temple
After reaching Dinajpur town, travelling to Kantajew Temple is straightforward. You can hire a local CNG (auto-rickshaw), a private car, or even a rickshaw to cover the 20-kilometer journey. It will typically take about 30 to 40 minutes. The roads are fairly well-maintained, and the ride gives you a chance to enjoy views of rural Bangladeshi life.
Construction and Architecture
Kantajew Temple is an iconic example of terracotta architecture in Bangladesh. Originally constructed in the navaratna (nine-spired) style, the spires were destroyed by an earthquake in 1897, leaving the base of the temple intact. The temple’s design features four-centred, wide multi-cusped arches, semi-octagonal mihirabs, and intricate rectangular and square panelling.
Its plastered walls are adorned with ornamental turrets and the domes, once bulbous and majestic, sat on octagonal drums with lotus and kalasa finials. The temple's exterior is covered with terracotta panels, depicting mythological and everyday scenes, skillfully crafted by local artisans from Krisnanagar.
Read more: Day Trips from Dhaka: 5 Affordable Tourist Spots near Dhaka
Notable murals show Krishna plucking coconuts, Radha-Krishna dancing on an elephant, and charming Bengali wedding scenes. These portrayals blend deities with familiar social scenes, offering a glimpse of 18th-century rural Bengal. The Persian-inspired muqarnas work in stucco inside the half-domes over the entrance arches and mihirab niches further highlights the temple’s blend of cultural and architectural elements.
1 week ago
How to Visit Ramsagar Lake, National Park at Dinajpur
Ramsagar, located in Dinajpur, Bangladesh, is a Spectacular destination known for its large freshwater lake and lush surroundings. A perfect getaway for nature lovers, Ramsagar offers scenic views, historical significance, and peaceful vibes. All these make it a must-visit for both tourists and locals.
Location
Ramsagar is situated in the Dinajpur district of northern Bangladesh. It is located in the village of Tejpur, about 8 kilometres south of Dinajpur town. The name “Ramsagar” refers to King Ram Nath, who commissioned the creation of this vast man-made lake in the mid-1750s. Spanning 1,079 metres in length and 192.6 metres in width, Ramsagar Lake is the largest man-made water body in Bangladesh.
Around 1.5 million labourers participated in digging the lake, with a total cost of 30,000 taka at the time. It was originally built to provide water for the local population and wildlife. The surrounding area now features Ramsagar National Park, making it a popular tourist destination.
Read more: Baklai Waterfall in Bandarban: How to Get to One of the Tallest Waterfalls in Bangladesh
Ways to Reach Ramsagar from Dhaka
From Dhaka to Dinajpur
Travelling by Air
The fastest way to reach Ramsagar from Dhaka is by flying to Saidpur Airport, which is located around 60 kilometres from Dinajpur. There are regular flights from Dhaka to Saidpur, with an average flight duration of about one hour.
A one-way ticket costs from BDT 4,000 to BDT 5,000, depending on the season and availability. You can hire a private car from Saidpur or take public transport to reach Dinajpur, which usually takes another 1.5 to 2 hours.
Travelling by Train
Another popular way to reach Dinajpur is by train. Trains from Dhaka to Dinajpur are available daily, and the journey typically takes around 8 to 9 hours, depending on the train service. There are several classes of tickets, ranging from BDT 575 to BDT 1,978, depending on whether you choose a regular seat or an air-conditioned cabin. The train ride is scenic and makes it an enjoyable journey.
Read more: Lawachara National Park Travel Guide: Evergreen forest in northeastern Bangladesh
Travelling by Bus
Travelling by bus is the most budget-friendly option for visiting Ramsagar. Buses depart regularly from Dhaka to Dinajpur, and the journey usually takes around 10 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Ticket prices range between BDT 800 and BDT 1,500 for non-AC and AC buses. While it may be the longest option in terms of travel time, buses offer frequent schedules and are accessible for most travellers.
From Dinajpur to Ramsagar
To travel from Dinajpur to Ramsagar, you can use local transport options. From Dinajpur town, you can hire a rickshaw van or take a ride on a ‘Nosimon’ (a local motorised vehicle). The ride typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes to reach Ramsagar.
What to See and Do at Ramsagar
Exploring the Historic Temples
At the northern end of Ramsagar Lake, you will find two ancient temples, known as Dev Mandir, Baroduari, and Hazarduari. These structures, built during the 17th or 18th century, add a touch of history and spirituality to the area. Their traditional architecture makes them a must-see for history buffs and those interested in cultural heritage.
Read more: Tazing Dong Trekking: In-Depth Travel Guide and Cost Details
Stroll Through Ramsagar National Park
The lush Ramsagar National Park, covering around 60 hectares, is perfect for nature lovers. The forest, planted with a variety of ornamental and fruit trees by the Forest Department, provides a peaceful retreat. The park is home to several animals, including deer, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, and even blue bulls. Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting species such as white-breasted water hens, jacanas, and purple herons.
3 weeks ago
JP candidate for Dinajpur-2 Mahbubul Alam withdraws candidature
Jatiya Party (JP) candidate for Dinajpur-2 constituency Mahbubul Alam has withdrawn his candidacy, five days ahead of the 12th parliamentary election.
Read: Chuadanga-1: Jatiya Party candidate withdraws from election, alleging lack of cooperation from party
Mahbubul Alam came up with the announcement at a press briefing held at local party office in Birol upazila of the district.
Contacted, the JP candidate said he withdrew his candidacy after being embarrassed by the questions of local voters about the election. "There is no threat or pressure from outside,” he said.
9 months ago
Attempt to set fire to rail track: BNP leader arrested in Dinajpur
Police today arrested a local leader of BNP from Birampur upazila of Dinajpur district in connection with a case filed over attempt to set fire to a rail track.
The arrestee was identified as Haidar Ali, joint secretary of Birampur unit of BNP.
Subrata Kumar, officer-in-charge of Birampur Police Station, said police arrested Haider from the upazila in the morning.
Earlier, a case was filed against eight identified people and several unidentified people in connection with the attempt to set fire to a rail track last night.
Read: Rail track bolts stolen from Kurigram-Rangpur railway line
Haidar was the prime accused in the case. He was handed over to Railway Police after primary interrogation.
“Police are trying to arrest the other accused in the case,” said the OC.
ATM Nurul Islam, in-charge of Parbatipur Railway Station, said miscreants are trying to destroy lives and property through sabotage activities on railways but their attempt was foiled due to strict surveillance by police.
Last night, law enforcers foiled miscreants’ attempt to set fire to a rail track in Birampur upazila of Dinajpur district.
Read: Two motorcyclists killed in Sylhet road crash
Mia Ranjan, sub-inspector of Birampur Police Station, said a group of people set fire to the slipper of rail tracks near No 2 Litchi Bagan in Birampur municipality area between 8 pm and 9 pm.
Noticing smoke, police and Ansar members rushed to the spot and extinguished the blaze.
They also managed to halt the Khulna-bound Shimanto Express train, which was scheduled to go through the area, a few yards away, saving lives and property.
9 months ago
Two trucks torched in Dinajpur; police clueless on possible perpetrators
Miscreants set fire to two trucks in different areas of Dinajpur on Sunday, the first day of a 48-hour nationwide blockade called by the BNP-led opposition parties that are demanding the resignation of the incumbent government before holding elections.
A straw-laden truck was set on fire in the Jaliapara area of Dinajpur district around 9pm on Sunday.
Truck torched in Dinajpur
Shashra Union Parishad Chairman Moksed Ali Rana said miscreants sprinkled petrol on the truck and set it on fire.
Later, Fire Service and Civil Defence personnel brought the fire under control with the help of locals.
1 dead, 2 badly burnt in tank lorry blast in Dinajpur
On information, Additional Deputy Commissioner Debashish Chowdhury, UNO of Dinajpur Sadar Upazila Ramiz Alam and Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Farid Hossain visited the spot.
Another truck was set on fire in the Rampur area of Kaharole upazila in the district earlier on Sunday.
In that incident, the driver of the truck sustained injuries from the incident.
1 dead, 3 injured as bus hits two motorbikes in Dinajpur
Law enforcement agencies have failed to identify any suspects in either of the two incidents.
10 months ago
Derogatory remarks against judge: Dinajpur mayor offers unconditional apology
Dinajpur Municipality Mayor Syed Jahangir Alam appeared before the court on Thursday and offered an unconditional apology to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court for making derogatory remarks against a judge of the division.
Mayor Jahangir appeared before the five-member bench of the Appellate Division led by Chief Justice Hasan Foez Siddique and apologised.
Also read : Supreme Court to hear Dr Yunus's petition on July 23
The court also exempted him from appearing before the court in person and set October 12 for the next hearing.
The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on August 17 summoned the mayor and asked him to appear before the court on August 24 in person for making derogatory remarks against a judge.
The court also asked the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to remove the video containing the mayor's remarks from the internet.
Also read : US Supreme Court strikes down race-based college admissions
Four lawyers of the Supreme Court filed a contempt of court petition over the mayor making derogatory comments against Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division M Enayetur Rahim centring the verdict against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. The four lawyers are advocates Harun-or-Rashid, Mahfuzur Rahman Roman, Md Moniruzzaman Rana and Shafique Raihan Shaon.
The SC also issued a rule asking the government to explain why Mayor Jahangir should not be punished under the contempt of court rule and why directives should not be given to issue a show cause notice against him.
Also read : Supreme Court Bar secretary’s office vandalised: 25 lawyers granted anticipatory bail
Advocate Shaha Manjurul Haque stood for the petitioners, while Attorney General AM Amin Uddin and Barrister Ruhul Kuddus represented the state and Mayor Jahangir, respectively.
Jahangir Alam was elected mayor of Dinajpur municipality in 2011.
1 year ago
Indian onions start arriving through land ports as import resumes
Onions from India have started arriving in Bangladesh through land ports on the border as the government announced resumption of onion import after over two months of restriction.
The agriculture ministry took the decision to allow importing onions on Sunday (June 4, 2023) considering the unusual price hike.
Two trucks loaded with 40 metric tonnes of Indian onions entered through Hili land port in Dinajpur at 5:45 pm today (June 6, 2023).
Read more: Govt to allow onion import from Monday: Agriculture Ministry
Shahidul Islam, an importer, said, “There has been a shortage of imported onions in the country since mid-March. As a result, the price of local onions skyrocketed in both retail and wholesale markets after Eid-ul-Fitr.”
“In this situation, importers have been demanding that the government allow them to import onions from India, to keep the price stable. Keeping the traders and consumers in mind, the Ministry of Agriculture has given permission to import onions from India on Sunday,” he said.
Although the imported onions are yet to reach the market, prices have already started to go down as the news broke.
Read more: Proper preservation of onions to end instability, crisis: Agriculture Minister
Moinul Haque, a retail trader at Hili Bazar, said onions were being sold at Tk 80 per kg this evening – Tk 5 less compared to this morning.
“We may see a fall in onion prices in the coming days,” he said.
Meanwhile, 57 onion-carrying trucks from India have entered the country through Sonamasjid land port in Chapainawabganj.
Prabhat Kumar Singh, assistant commissioner of customs at Sonamasjid land port, said the trucks carrying 1,097 metric tonnes of onions have entered Bangladesh.
Read more: Govt aiming to become self-sufficient in onions: Agriculture Minister
“Trucks are allowed to enter the port only after receiving IP approved documents,” he said.
The government stopped importing onions from India from March 16 this year to ensure fair prices for onions produced by local farmers.
1 year ago
2 dead after truck hits van in Dinajpur
Two people died after a truck hit a van in Chandapar area under Dinajpur’s Parbatipur upazila.
The deceased was identified as Abul Kalam, 50, and his nephew Ashraful Islam, 25.
Police arrested the truck driver and seized the truck.
Also Read: Bus runs over mother, daughter in Narsingdi
Kalam was driving the van. He and his nephew were collecting polythene from the area when a truck hit their van, said Abul Hasnat Khan of Parbatipur Model Police Station.
Their family is preparing to lodge a complaint, he said.
1 year ago
Eid-ul-Fitr being celebrated in Dinajpur, Chandpur and Lalmonirhat in line with Saudi
The holy Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest Muslim religious festival, is being celebrated in some upazilas of Dinajpur and Lalmonirhat districts amid religious fervour in line with Saudi Arabia on Friday.
The early celebration comes a day before the nationwide celebration of Eid in Bangladesh on Saturday.
Our Dinajpur Correspondent adds: the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers were held in Sadar, Chirirbandar, Biral, Kaharole, Birampur upazilas of the district in participation with several thousands of Muslim devotees in the morning.
Members of some 300 Muslim families in the Sadar upazila offered their Eid prayer conducted by Biral upazila’s Maheshpur Madrasa Director Abdur Razzak at 7:45am.
Moreover, Muslim devotees in Saitara Rubber Dam of Chirirbandar, Kamdevpur and Kazipara of Biral, Bhabanipur of Kaharole, Binail and Jotabani of Birampur completed their Eid prayers in the morning.
In 2007, some Muslims of the upazilas started fasting and other religious activities keeping consistency with Saudi Arabia.
Read more: Muslims in 40 Chandpur villages to celebrate Eid today
On the other hand, Lalmonirhat Correspondent also adds: over 500 Muslims attended the Eid-ul-fitr prayer conducted by Maulana Abdul Majed at Munsipara Jame Masjid in Kaliganj upazila of the district at 9:15am.
Maulana Masum Billah, president of Munsipara Eidgaon Math, said they have been performing religious activities including Eid-ul-Fitr and Azha in line with Saudi Arabia with the belief that the Eid will be held on the same day across the world.
“Similarly we offered the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer in participation with over 500 Muslims as the moon was sighted in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
ATM Golam Rasul, officer-in-charge of Kaliganj police station, said police patrolled in Kakina, Tusbhandar and Chandrapur unions to ensure security of the Muslims who offered the Eid prayer keeping consistency with Saudi Arabia.
Residents of 40 villages in Chandpur district are also celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr today amid much enthusiasm and religious fervour.
Two separate Eid jamaats were held at Shadra Darbar Sharif Maidan at 9am and Shadra Hamidia Fazil Madrasa Eidgah at 10am on Friday.
Eid-ul-Fitr prayers were held in Bolakhal, Olipur, Barakul, Shameshpur, Jakni, Ramchandrapur, Sreepur, Belcho, Rajargaon under Hajiganj upazila; Shachanmegh, Bigha, Ubharampur, Bajpara, Khila, Ottali, Balithuba, Shola, Rupsha, Goalbaor, Noahat, Bashara, Telishair, Paunsair, Kamata, Surangachaul, Paikpara, Mulpara, Munsirhat, Bholacho, Kaitara under Faridganj upazila; Aswinpur, Nayergaon, Panchani, Dashani, Mohanpur, Ekhlaspur and Beltali under Matlab upazila.
1 year ago